Goku Raku Ramen @ Mid Valley Megamall

Ramen has long established its reputation among Malaysians and with distinct preferences back in Japan, the Japanese developed various styles and here at the Goku Raku Ramen, we get a taste of “Horikiri Style”. Comfortably set inside the MidValley Megamall, parking would never be quite an issue. Seating are cosy, spacious and neatly clean thus very welcoming when entering the restaurant.

Taking great pride in their ramen selections, the 5 Star Kakuni (RM 26.90) made its appearance with homemade braised pork belly, spring onion, bean sprout, bamboo shoot, lava egg and black garlic oil topped with chilli threads and immersed in rich tonkotsu broth. The broth showcases “Horikiri Style” and is simmered with a unique mix of pork bone, chicken, and fish mix. Should the ramen be springier then it certainly would be mesmerising.

Allowing dinners to be able to fully experience the genuine taste of Japanese Ramen, Goku Raku makes their noodle at daily basis. Having a very solid texture, the Tan Tan Ramen (RM 13.90) got me really hooked on as the minced meat with spicy sauce fantastically blended with a beautiful poached egg for that velvety coating on the noodle when mixed. The choice of cucumber segregates and skewed the flavour to Chinese rather than Japanese.

Utsunomiya Yaki Gyoza is serving at 8 pieces (RM14.90) or 5 pieces (RM9.90). A classic pan fried minced pork dumpling beautifully plated to support a roof of crispy sheet of flour flake and served with special sauce (miso tare and shoyu tare). This makes a perfect dish for communal eating and I would appreciate virgin oil when creating the pan crispy flake.

Another cold dish to whip the appetite is the Pork Loin Rei Shabu to present the sweet thin slices of pork with crunchy thin slices of cucumber dizzled with sesame dressing and topped with chilli thread for the tinge of sweet spicy.

The influence of Chinese culture in Japanese dishes is showcased here at the Goku Raku, where distinct flavours of chinese dishes inevitably follows to present with the use of Japanese ingredients and technique. Also part of the set meal was the Crispy Shrimp Mayo (RM 14.90) and Tori Karaage Yu-Rin sauce (RM 12.90). An ephemeral moment of joy upon the first bite yet it wasn’t sufficient to astonish me. Thick batter coat on the prawn plasters flavour of the shrimp.

Aburi Char Siew and Sweet and Sour Pork managed to redeem a good reputation. My conjecture was right when the slices of layered pork made appearance; it was as good as it looks. This Japanese roasted char siew served with marinated onion was divine when layer of fats melt along with the aroma and fragrant of lightly burnt flavour.

That’s not all in the set as the Gokuraku meatballs were served. Solid ingredients, fresh and neat with the right amount of seasoning and a luscious coat of sweet sauce. Passionally serving this with edamame spybeans, the mix of colour were pleasant of top of the juicy and tasty meatballs.

Top the above with 3 more servings of Mini Ramen ample for maximum contentment when each mini bowl serves with generous slice of pork and bamboo shoots.

Conclude the set meal with Dessert of the Day should be a good closure for a majestic set like this one.

Valid from now to 31st of May 2014, readers get a 50% off the GRR meatballs when dining at the Goku Raku Ramen. Print and present to enjoy this discount at Mid Valley and Paradigm Mall outlet.